WHISTLING WOODS INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION WITH AN MBA PROGRAM

WWISMC officially started its  two year, full-time Post Graduate Program, offering a wide range of subjects to choose from, all under one roof.

Lamp lighting at the launch of WWI School of Media and Communication

 Leading industry professionals from their respective fields of expertise like Mr. Mukesh Sharma, Deputy Director General, Doordarshan; Mr. Praveen Nagda, MD, Peregrine; Mr. Brian Tellis, Chairman, Fountainhead Promotions and Events; Mrs. Chitra Mulani, Corporate Communications head for Tata AIG; Mr. Ravi Gupta, former CEO of Mukta Arts & Acting Dean of WWI; Rahul Puri, Executive Director of Mukta Arts and Subhash Ghai, Chairman, WWI were present to encourage the new aspiring bunch of enthusiastic students entering the media and communication industry. The guests speakers had an insightful session with students after inaugurating SMC with lighting of the lamp.

Subhash Ghai, Chairman, WWI, adressing the first batch of MBA - Media and entertainment students

Mr. Subhash Ghai, Chairman, Whistling Woods International encouraged the first batch of students on their first step towards a new goal and said, "This course will give you all a unique opportunity in different fields like journalism, audio-visual production management, advertising management, and events management to corporate communications. I am grateful to these leading industry professionals who are here to share their expert guidance with the students and I am hoping that you grab this opportunity and make the most of it."

Mukesh Sharma, Deputy Director general, Doordarshan, at WWI

Mukesh Sharma, Deputy Director General, Doordarshan motivated the students and advised, "There is no shortcut to success without hard work and focus; the world is testing you for your future. Be obsessed with your work. You have to value the inner matter as the outer crust has no value. Find your value within yourself and you will be successful."

Ujjwal Chowdhury, Dean, WWI school of media and Communication

Whistling Woods International School of Media and Communication (WWISMC) will be headed byProf. Ujjwal K. Chowdhury as the Dean. He has more than 12 years of media education experience to his credit. He spoke to the students and said, "This is the first time that students will get an opportunity to avail of a dual MBA in Media & Entertainment along with the Post Graduate course in media and communication at Whistling Woods International (WWI). WWISMC is inching towards being the best institute offering the students a great education with top class facilities. I am looking forward to share my knowledge alongside my fabulous faculty, with this young and immensely talented bunch of students."

Expert Panel (L-R) Subhash Ghai, Mukesh Sharma, Pradeep Nagda, Deepak Choudhary, Ujjwal Chowdhury, Rahul Puri

Add capExpert panel (L-R) Chitra Mulani, Ravi Gupta, Brian Tellis, Ujjwal Chowdhurytion

This new initiative of Whistling Woods will present paramount opportunities to their students to wholly exploit their talents and capabilities for a lucrative career in the media industry. With a light hearted yet informative, the session came to an end paving a new path for this new maiden batch of media professionals.

Devanand & Lata Mangeshkar

Devanand with admirers at DDK Mumbai

During my tenure with DDK Mumbai, I developed couple of phone in programmes viz. Hello sakhi,  Hello Sahydri, Hello doctor, Hello DD etc. Hello DD was the National Network programme. It was a live program and viewers pan India would call and chat with their favourite film personality. The show which commenced on a Sunday somewhere towards the end of 2000 lasted for 5 years. Practically all the who's who of the film industry took part in the Hello DD programme . Right from Shatrughan Sinha, Subhash Ghai, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Asha Bhosle, Jitendra, Anu Malik, Ila Arun, Devanand and the list is endless.

Devanand at Doordarshan kendra Mumbai

  Dev Sahab was  particular about the Anchor. He wanted that Mr. Vishwanath  Sachdev the editor of NavBharat Times , Mumbai  should interview him. Well we got Mr Sachdev for him . The programme was well received by the audience. Dev sahib got phone calls from every nook and corner of the country. He enjoyed the live show and marvelled at the technology, DD had. Though Mumbai Doordarshan was inaugurated on 2^nd oct .1972 but this was the first time that Devanand  visited  the DD Kendra (TV Station).

Devanand, Vishwanath Sachdev & Mukesh Sharma. 

On 26^th Sept 2012, the evergreen actor will be 88 years old. He is still going strong and has no desire of hanging his boots. His latest venture is the film Charge sheet to be released in Cinemas on 28^th Sept. An incurable romantic ,Dev Sahab looks upto young people on how to live life “ They inspire me but I must have also inspired them at some point of time.....I live in the same era as them”.   May   Dev  Sahab  continue to inspire the younger generation with his never ending zeal and passion for life.

Devanand & Mukesh Sharma (Director DDK Mumbai)

    

 LATA MANGESHKAR TURNS 82 on 28TH SEPTEMBER 2011.

On 28 September 2011 the Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar will complete 82 years. We are lucky to have been born during the life and times of Lataji.

Her golden voice has been a panacea to our souls. . Through this Post I wish her a long, happy and peaceful life. May she continue to inspire us.

Lata Mangeshkar at Doordarshan Kendra Mumbai

Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar or Lata Didi as we address her,visited DDK Mumbai on 23rd April 2004 , as the chief guest for the Sahydri Navratna Awards. Since Broadcasting schedules are time bound , I had to take her date well in advance. I was told she had a weakness or liking for Orchids. I bought some of the prettiest orchids I could lay my hands on. It was a sight to see Lata Didí's expression . Like a child the smile ran on her face. "How do you know that I like orchids" said Didi, while holding them. "I did my home work Didi before coming to you ", was my immediate response.

Lata Mangeshkar with Mukesh Sharma

Needless to mention she accepted the invite but with a rider. She will be with us, only for half an hour . I agreed, but destiny had something else in store . I remember she had a severe headache when she arrived at Doordarshan. I told her she can leave in 10 minutes, after she had inaugurated the show. But to my surprise she did not leave.

Her reason to sit through the entire function, in her own words was, "It is a very well conceived show and a far cry from what the pvt TV channels are producing . I do not want to miss it . Sharma if you can organise some tea and medicine , I would like to watch the entire show". Andhaa kya chahe do aankhe...... And rest is history. Lata Didi sat for full three hours with us. As usual after the show she complimented us and the following remarks in Marathi language were etched in the memoir book of DDK Mumbai.

Lata Mangeshkar, Hridayanath Mangeshkar & Mukesh Sharma

"Doordarshan madhey kelesya sudharna pahun faar anand vatla. Ya poorvi hey darshan doormach dhayve ase vaate. Pan aata maatr ha jhalela baddal abhinand aahe.Shri Mukesh Sharma yaanche mee abhinandan karte , dhanyavaad dete."

(I am very happy to see the changes made at Doordarshan. Before this, one only wanted to watch it from afar (pun on the name Doordarshan). But now these changes are truly commendable. I not only congratulate Mr. Mukesh Sharma but thank him for it as well.)

Mansi the Daddycated child...

The baby girl name Mansi comes from the Indian word which means, "Woman."Marathi word which means, "Sound of Mind." India word which means, "it is the name of the holy river in India-symbolically flowing out from lord Shiva 's long hair.." Sanskrit word which means, "Goddess of Wisdom."

Someone also suggested the name is an Hindu Mythology word which means, "born from heart."Hindi word which means, "The one who grants wishes ." Gujrati word which means, "Imagination."

To us Mansi was "born from heart". 

As a child Mansi was very caring, strong willed, single minded, dedicated,hard working and conscientious. A big motivator she was always counselling her friends, the only soft spot was her craze for any and all animals.

Little Mansi with Jaya Bachchan (1990)

Shammiji, Jayaji and Mansi (1990)

I remember in 1991 when I was in CFSI we were celebrating Mansi's 5th birthday, and I had specially invited Jayaji to bless her. She made it a point to come and presented her with an unusual gift. A beautiful pink poncho, which Mansi insisted on wearing even though the Mumbai weather did not permit.

Aditya and Mansi 

Aditya, Mansi, Shibani and Jayaji

  Nearly 20 yrs later on 14th June 2011, Jayaji was one of the many guests who braved the rains to bless Mansi and  Lt Aditya for their wedding reception at Mumbai.

Ameen Sayani & Ashutosh Gawarikar  came to bless Aditya and Mansi

Parth (Mansi's Brother), Aditya, Mansi, Shibani & Mukesh Sharma

Aditya Katdare and Mansi knew each other since their college days at St. Xaviers College - Mumbai. both of them pursued their education with single minded dedication before tying the knot. They both have a Masters degree and Aditya is now a Lieutenant in the Indian Army.

Mahrashtra Home Minister RR Patil  blessing the couple

Hon.Minister Patang Rao Kadam with Aditya and Mansi

English Essayist, Poet, Dramatist and Statesman Joseph Addison wrote in the 17th century "Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is a desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express".

Sunil Shastri (S/O former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri) presenting the book on the late PM 

Johny Lever was there to bless Aditya and Mansi

             Its a pity that we continue to ignore our daughters in this country.

No tobacco day

Shaina NC (extreme right), Juhi Babbar & Mukesh Sharma (2nd & 3rd from left) on World no Tobacco Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) selects "The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control" as the theme of the next World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on  Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Celebrities & Media persons awaiting their turn  to walk the ramp on World No Tobacco Day

Eight years ago on 31st May 2003  I had a chance to wear fashion designer Nita Lulla's dress and walk the ramp at Mumbai in support of  World No Tobacco Day. The event was organised by Shaina NC, daughter of Nana Chudasma, former Sheriff of Mumbai.

The walk.....

Friends to support the cause...

I remember all my friends and well wishers had come to witness the historic walk on the Ramp.

These are some of the pictures taken on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.                                 

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death. This year, more than 5 million people will die from a tobacco-related heart attack, stroke, cancer, lung ailment or other disease. That does not include the more than 600,000 people – more than a quarter of them children – who will die from exposure to second-hand smoke. The annual death toll from the global epidemic of tobacco use could rise to 8 million by 2030. Having killed 100 million people during the 20th century, tobacco use could kill 1 billion during the 21st century.

  Jokes Apart.....Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.

National Seminar on Media Conscience - Changes, Challenges and Chance at Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal

Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) tries to embody the spirit of liberal democratic egalitarianism in eduction. A National Seminar on Media Conscience - Changes, Challenges and Chances was organised on 17th and 18th March at Fortune Inn Valley View Hotel Manipal.

Mukesh Sharma with M V Kamath

The welcome speech from the Director of  MIC Varadesh Hiregange set the tone of the seminar, which was inaugurated by Prof B P Sanjay, VC of Central University of Tamil Nadu; along with Dr. Ramdas Pai, VC Manipal University, Dr. H S Ballal Pro VC Manipal University, Ms Sandhya Pai Managing Editor Taranga magazine and above all Padmabhushan Dr. M V Kamath the Honorary Director of MIC.

Let there be light...

The conference saw the likes  of of luminaries like Padmashree Dr. Alok Mehta - Chief Editor of Nayi Duniya, Dr. Chandan Mitra - Editor and MD of The Pioneer, Vinod Mehta - Editor-in-Chief Outlook, Mukesh Sharma - Director Prasar Bharati, Kundan Vyas - Managing Editor and CEO Janmabhoomi, and T S Sudhir - Resident Editor of NDTV Chennai, to name some.

Kundan Vyas, Manasi, Dr Alok Mehta the stalwarts of print Journalism

The introductory remarks by Dr. M V Kamath set the ball rolling when he expressed his concern over the mind boggling change in media, paid news, trivialization of media, marginalization of editors and corruption at individual levels. He hoped that in the subsequent 48 hours this conclave would be able to come up with some solutions and answers.

Chandan Mitra And MV kamath

 Mukesh Sharma addressed the gathering with his topic - 'The Great Digital Divide' He explained the difference between the digital immigrants and the digital natives in the present digital era where the gap is widening. The Digital Divide is creating a generation disconnect and this is because of the advent of technological and digitized world. The Thinking and processing of information by ‘Gen- Next’ is becoming fundamentally different.” Further he added, “The younger generation approximately spends 10,000 hours meddling with video games, 20,000 hours talking on mobile or browsing, 10,000 hours on texting SMS." 

All about the Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants

The topic was well received by the delegates and students alike. The session lasted for a full hour with a lot of questions posed by the students.
The seminar ended on a high note with Dr. Padmarani giving the vote of thanks, some queries were answered some are yet formulating in the Grey cells.

The great Media Meet at Manipal...

MANIPAL: “Scrutiny of Media is possible by you and me”, said the Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Tamil Nadu, Professor B. P. Sanjay at the inaugural ceremony of National Seminar on Media Conscience: Changes, Challenges & Chances organized by Manipal Institute of Communication, the constituent institute of Manipal University(MU) on 17^th March at Chaitya Hall, VALLEY VIEW Fortune Inn.

Day 2 at the National Seminar at Manipal

The Social Responsibility theme seriously forced people to ponder upon the issue, increasing change and Challenge represents the dilemma faced by the masses in the current scenario. Professor B. P. Sanjay on this occasion said, “This the very same Media that during National Struggle embedded Goals to reach Freedom and accountability and played active role to aid, cooperated to build nation in the Post Colonial era. The only time when the Media had to bow down before somebody is the Dark Era of vulnerability of Media to the Political prowess. This is the Boom in Media when the private sector started mushrooming as capitalism bestowed itself the purity and the principles got reversed, we can see a change as of now “the focus is not on developing ideologies but of spreading propaganda”. Today the Media is working more in the favour of Marketing and many dimensions of media are changing today.” he added.

“Media is not a monolithic enterprise, embedded in the activities of industries and the readers who combine to form a collective introspective. Hence there should be a balance in the wants of public, their needs and what the industry can give.” Prof B. P. Sanjay being in the field of Media education expressed that as ethics in the profession are diminishing the civilians are more and more disoriented as mostly everything is biased, we say we have freedom of expression, little do we know news is still censored although in a different method.

Chandan Mitra And MV kamath

Dr M. V. Kamath (Padmabhushan), the only living journalist who is working in the Media since Pre-independence said, “It is our responsibility to raise the reputation of Media as a reliable & remarkable Public Service.” Dr. Ramdas Pai (Padmabhushan),Chancellor Of MU,  Dr. H. S. Ballal Pro-Chancellor of MU and Renowned Media Professionals- Alok Mehta, Gyani Shankaran, Mukesh Sharma, Manasi Kundan Vyas marked their Presence.

 Following the inaugration, Mrs. Sandhya Pai, Managing Editor of Taranga (a Kannada Magazine) was the first speaker to address the gathering. Speaking about – “Print Media – Where is it going?”, Mrs Pai raised concerns on how free the media is  today since most of them are owned by corporate houses, and how Media ethics that once existed are now amiss.

She also spoke on what the media should print and the future that lies ahead for the Print Media which gave a splendid beginning to the conference.

Mukesh Sharma, Director Prasar Bharati said, “The Digital Divide is creating a generation disconnect and this is because of the advent of technological and digitized world. The Thinking and processing of information by ‘Gen- Next’ is becoming fundamentally different.” Further he added, “The younger generation approximately spends 10,000 hours medling with video games, 20,000 hours talking on mobile or browsing, 10,000 hours on texting SMS, whereas they spend merely 5000 hours reading books.”

Mukesh Sharma  with Padmabhushan MV Kamath

Mr TS Sudhir, Resident Editor  of NDTV, Hyderabad  and Ms Swati Vashisht, Chief Bureau of CNN IBN (Rajasthan) preceded with second session of the seminar with the topic – “Television – Blurring Vision”. Mr Sudhir during his speech concentrated on the role of social networking and other new media. He further went on telling about the concept of citizen journalism incorporated by NDTV and how it was playing a major role.

The Chief speaker of the Session, the Editor of Outlook Magazine Vinod Mehta, made the best out of this opportunity to discuss the intricacies of his Profession. The Chief speaker of the Session, the Editor of Outlook Magazine Vinod Mehta, made the best out of this opportunity to discuss the intricacies of his Profession.

“Media is no more a Public service, but a commercial business”, said Vinod Mehta explaining cause behind it to be the large amount of investment spun around for it mostly invites loss. He alerts the gathering that media is a profession where one must be ready to take up risks, but also oblige if one does a mistake no matter if one has to give up the job. According to Vinod Mehta the key survive in this field is to live with idealism and work to your best possibilities without sacrificing at them.

On the valedictory function of the two day NATIONAL SEMINAR on MEDIA CONSCIENCE: CHANGES, CHALLENGES AND CHANCES, organized by Manipal Institute of Communication held on 17^th & 18^th of this month, Mr. GK Prabhu (Registrar, MU), Mr. Vardesh Hiregange (Director, MIC) and Dr. MV Kamath (Padmabhushan) shared their experiences and thoughts about the changes to be brought in the society.

The Great media meet at Manipal...

Dr GK Prabhu gave away the certificates to the delegates present and then while addressing the gathering he congratulated everyone and expressed his pleasure upon being a part of the seminar. He stressed upon the idea of having more such events so that the students can learn in a more stressfree and interactive environment. Pondering upon the idea of information buried under Noise he innovatively related to the delegates and said communication must be SMART

The seminar ended on a high note with Dr. Padmarani giving the vote of thanks, some queries were answered some are yet formulating in the Grey cells

Radio Asia 2011

THE MORNING SESSION OF RADIO ASIA 2011- 

V Sadhu

It was 21st Feb 2011, at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi Radio Asia 2011 came out of the shadows.The weather was quite cool , due to the winter rains at Delhi. But the warmth spread by the organizers especially Ms. Vijay Sadhu and her team made the delegates more then cozy.

  D S Bali(Mauritius),Dr BK Ravi, M Sharma (author), A Sharma

 It was Mark Neely, Regional Director Radio Asia Pacific, who conducted the very first workshop at the Regal Room. The topic Profiling Target Audience through Audience Measurement Data was well received by the audience. Coincidently  Mark is responsible for introducing new RAM services in the Asia Pacific Region. 

Mark Neely, Regional Director Radio Asia Pacific, taking a question...

 What followed after Mark, was the workshop which emphasized more on Hands on Experience and less on talking. The Entire team of DRM consortium led by Ruxandra Obreja was quite impressive. With unlimited FM frequency availability, and 5.1 surround sound the Digital Radio Mondiale has come a long way and is here to stay.                                                                                                                                

Ruxandra Obreja was quite impressive with the mike..

 The dark horse of the DRM team was Alexander Zink, who ensured that no  question from the delegates remained unanswered through out the workshop.

Mukesh Sharma & Alexander Zink at the Radio Asia 2011

       THE AFTERNOON SESSION OF RADIO ASIA 2011

Kiran Karnik former President NASSCOM

The afternoon session started with the right note. Mr Kiran Karnik former President NASSCOM was the key note speaker. Though his association with Radio per Se was limited, however he was quite clear in his thoughts and speech that radio which suffered a benign neglect in the 90ties is now not only talking but has become a medium of dialogue. In the words of Mr Kiran Karnik "the radio is now Informative, Interactive and Involved".   

Delgates at the  Radio Asia 2011- Ist Day Session

 After the key note address by Mr Kiran Karnik the content was some what repetitive. Madam Ruxandra Obreja of DRM and Mark Neely and Alexander Zink where now addressing a some what bigger gathering , but most of the information was same as morning session, except for some changes here and there. But it was useful even the second time.

 Dr. Michael Mc Cluskey

The other speakers in the afternoon session were Dr. Michael Mc Cluskey, (CEO) ABC Radio Australia, Masahiko Hattori from NHK Japan, and Pradeep Hejmadi TAM Media. The topic was" paradigm shift in content programming: Digital Radio, Internet, Blogs And Interactive platforms for global Radio." Being a compulsive blogger myself ,I was expecting to take home something new, but  things did not work out as the topic suggested. How ever Mr Pradeep Hejmadi picked up maximum questions for the day.                                                                         

Steve Ahern

The topic for the last session was How Technology has impacted Radio Content And Service. The speaker Steve Ahern from Ahern media & training, apprised the delegates that Digital Audio Broadcast  or DAB is in full throttle in Australia and is going great guns.  Nicholas Levitte talked about Streaming Radio.

By 5.30 the Radio Activity was at its zenith when the day's session ended and  I rushed back to my hotel to complete this post.